PEEK grade for brake and e-mobility components

Solvay has launched a new grade of KetaSpire® PEEK, KT-850 SCF 30, designed for precision brake system and e-mobility electronic pump components. The product was developed to provide better sealing performance over standard 30% carbon fibre filled PEEK grades.

Carbon fibre filled PEEK has traditionally been used for anti-lock brake system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC) components, such as tappets, poppets and plungers. The new KT-850 SCF 30 grade enables further metal (aluminium) replacement by improving the flow characteristics of the material and the surface finish of parts.

ABS/ESC plungers play a critical role in the function of the system’s hydraulic unit. The system combines an electronic pump, an electronic control unit (ECU), valves which control braking pressure at the wheels, and sensors that measure the speed of the wheels. The plunger is responsible for operating the valve’s movement by controlling the brake fluid supply.

Replacing metal with polymeric plungers requires a material like KetaSpire® KT-850 SCF 30 which provides a balance of high performance properties including coefficient of friction, mechanical strength, dimensional tolerance control, and sealing capability.

The replacement of aluminium in precision components, such as ABS plungers, allows for overall cost reductions as well as improved productivity. KetaSpire® KT-850 SCF 30 offers the flowability required for filling the parts, which are approximately 15 mm in length, while also meeting the tight tolerances required for ABS/ESC plungers. KetaSpire® KT-850 SCF 30 outperformed the processability offered by incumbent materials, allowing for much higher production yields and an enhanced surface finish, enabling better sealing and mechanical performance.

“The new carbon-filled KetaSpire® PEEK grade comes at a critical time when manufacturers are looking for enhanced sealing and mechanical performance. This means it is a real solution for the e-mobility market and we are proud it is part of our complete range of high-performance solutions for brake systems,” states Brian Baleno, Head of Marketing – Transportation at Solvay’s Materials Segment. “The specialised portfolio also includes Amodel® PPA for ABS/ESC pistons, motor end caps, solenoids, brake booster sensors, and e-parking brake housings; Ryton® PPS for brake pistons and valve housings, and Fomblin® PFPE for electric parking brake lubricants.”

As part of Solvay’s One Planet commitment to sustainability, the company utilises 100% renewable electricity in the production of its PEEK, PPA and PPS base polymers in the United States, and is the only manufacturing company among the Top 10 Corporate Solar Users in the ranking of the Solar Energy Industries Association.